Stoke ready for Sunderland

Stoke will be looking to reproduce Saturday’s form against Leeds as the Black Cats hit the Potteries and should be able to field an unchanged side against Roy Keane’s team who fell to a 4-1 defeat at Preston on Saturday

Vital Quotes:

Tony Pulis has asked fans to show their support for the team and turn out in large numbers. The club are hoping for a gate approaching 20,000 with Sunderland expected to bring over 2500.

Stoke City Team News:

The Potters will be giving home debuts to new loan signings Salif Diao and Rory Delap. Delap has been given permission to play by Sunderland manager, Roy Keane. Clint Hill is back in contention for a place and Ricardo Fuller will be hoping for a starting spot after coming off the bench and scoring in the 4-0 rout at Leeds.

Player to watch: Lee Hendrie

Lee has been a pivotal player in his two games so far for the Potters and was unlucky not to score against Preston, putting the record straight against Leeds on Saturday. Just the sort of midfielder Stoke have been desperate for.

Sunderland Team News:

After Sunderland’s 4-1 drubbing away to Preston on Saturday, Roy Keane is likely to bring in Dwight Yorke and Liam Miller as he attempts to avoid another defeat.

Player to watch: Dwight Yorke

Signed from Australian club, Sydney just before the August transfer window shut. It will be interesting to see if Keane’s former teammate from Manchester United still has the ability to make a difference.